It’s the start of a bright new future for our James Frew Academy recruits as they complete their Modern Apprenticeships at West College Scotland to enter fully into the world of work.

Based at West College Scotland’s Paisley Campus, the Academy was established in 2017, in collaboration with industry body SNIPEF and plumbing and heating contractor James Frew Ltd, one of the largest employers in central Scotland. This summer saw the first apprentices graduate from the Academy, successfully completing the four-year SNIPEF Modern Apprenticeship in Plumbing and Heating, which involved working in the industry gaining important on-the-job experience and attending West College Scotland on a block release basis

The partners are committed to people development and creating a strong, sustainable workforce for the future. With this in mind, the James Frew Academy course also involved a number of additional internal stakeholders to the mainstream course delivery, helping to deliver education and support on issues that were important to James Frew.. These tailormade additions to the programme included “Money Matters”, helping the apprentices to manage their finances, and Health and Wellbeing, which offered support in terms of diet, exercise and mental health. These skills contribute to lifelong learning and have been hugely beneficial to the apprentices..

All 8 of the young tradesmen are continuing their careers in the industry, allowing them to put their skills into practice, securing permanent positions with James Frew Ltd.

Head of Construction and Building Services at West College Scotland, Paul Lynn said,

"It is fantastic to see this first cohort of the James Frew Academy progress to the next stage of their careers. West College Scotland are delighted to continue to partner with James Frew and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for these young tradesmen."

James Frew Managing Director Roddy Frew said:

“We are committed fully to developing our young people within the organisation and it is very satisfying to see the first of the James Frew Academy recruits successfully graduating. Hard work pays off. Our Academy programme improves the life chances of our young people and provides them with a great opportunity to develop their careers in our industry”.